Bohemian Desert Wedding Session

I love the desert sun, it’s such a beautiful contrast to snowy sessions and winter wedding photography. Sunset in the desert is short-lived (the sun really does drop in about 10 – 15 minutes!) so every moment has to be thoroughly enjoyed. I love the light is so warm and dreamy. It’s so perfect for weddings and engagement sessions. Everything is bathed in a warm glow and it’s really magical. Then, everything turns a little more dramatic and deeper hued, as if everything pops. I always encourage couples to set time aside around 8:00 pm for weddings in the May, June months for some more (or all!) of their formal portraits with the bridal party or even just the bride and groom themselves. For one, it’s a nice chance to re-connect during a whirlwind of a day, but also the harsh daytime summer light is now soft and subdued, making for beautiful photographs. If you’d like to do this, consider having speeches as early as possible, even at the beginning of dinner to make time.

For this desert wedding session, I really wanted to create a relaxed, flowing, and bohemian feel. I shoot a lot of beautiful weddings, but my heart really lies with the simplest, low-key events. For some reason, the more relaxed, the more the images represent the personalities and emotions of the day. For this reason, I chose to use a dress from Free People (it’s actually my own wedding dress repurposed!) and a simple bouquet with bougainvillea, eucalyptus, and orange tree blossoms. The scarf and jewelry detailing enhance the bohemian vibe and add an element of boldness and a traveling, desert vibe that fits perfectly with the scenery.

I hope you love this session as much as I do, and that it inspires you in your wedding planning!